Formula 1 and Disney are officially keeping their collaborative engines running. At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the two entertainment giants announced a significant extension of their “Fuel the Magic” partnership, securing the program through the 2028 season.
While the extension adds a full new season to the original deal, the biggest news for fans is that the collaboration is finally expanding beyond Mickey & Friends to introduce Disney and Pixar’s Cars franchise into the Formula 1 universe for the first time.
For two decades, the Cars franchise has been a cornerstone of Disney’s motorsport storytelling. Now, to celebrate the film’s upcoming 20th anniversary, the crossover is coming to life on one of the most prestigious race weekends on the real-world motorsport calendar.
Lightning McQueen is scheduled to arrive at the Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio d’Italia in Monza this September, debuting an all-new look. According to Joss Hastings, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Disney Consumer Products, the inclusion of Pixar’s Cars at the Monza Grand Prix “presents an exciting opportunity to ‘Fuel the Magic’ and bring together two fandom communities that share the same love of speed, spectacle, and heart”.
The Evolution of “Fuel the Magic”
Launched in 2025, the “Fuel the Magic” campaign was designed to blend Disney storytelling with Formula 1’s massive global fanbase through immersive experiences, original content, and bespoke merchandise. Since its debut, the partnership has made significant waves across the motorsport world:
- Las Vegas 2025: The collaboration kicked off with a Disney Live Entertainment performance at the Fountains of Bellagio, alongside the debut of a merchandise collection designed by Bobby Kim.
- China 2026: F1 and Disney launched original WEBTOON comic content and featured a custom Formula 1 show car at the Shanghai Disneyland Resort.
- Canada 2026: The partnership expanded into F1 Academy, spotlighting Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck to help inspire the next generation of women in motorsport.
- Great Britain 2026: A custom Mickey Mouse-inspired racing helmet, signed by 20 current F1 drivers, was auctioned off for a record-breaking £151,000 ($201,000 USD) to benefit Make-A-Wish International.
New D23 Merchandise and Sweepstakes
Fans attending the D23 convention this weekend were the first to experience the new Cars expansion firsthand. The event featured the “Disney x Formula 1 Fuel the Magic Photo Experience,” as well as the debut of a brand-new Disney and Pixar Cars Collection with Formula 1.
Six exclusive merchandise items—including a hat, fleece, and Mattel die-cast vehicles—dropped at the Disney Store booth during the event. The collection is also launching online at the Formula 1 Official Online Store and DisneyStore.com, ahead of a wider global rollout planned for August 27.
Additionally, following the massive success of the Make-A-Wish auction at Silverstone, a second custom Mickey Mouse-inspired helmet was placed on display at D23. U.S. fans have the opportunity to enter a Prizeo sweepstakes to win a replica version, with net proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish America.